Who does the “AICP Code of Ethics” apply to? ✔✔This code applies to all certified planners.
Violating the AICP Code of Ethics can result in the loss of certification. The code also includes
the procedures for filing a complaint. Candidates should understand how the AICP investigates
and resolves alleged violations. Note that in October 2009, there was an amendment to the Code
of Ethics with the addition of Part D.
Who does the “APA Code of Ethics” apply to? ✔✔This code applies to all planners and public
officials involved in planning.
Under the AICP code of ethics, what is the primary obligation of a planner? ✔✔to serve the
public interest
“Under the AICP Code of Ethics, a planner’s primary obligation is to serve the public interest. A
planner’s responsibility to the public interest includes which of the following?
(A) Having special concern for the long-range consequences of present actions.
(B) Providing a citizens group with information not in the public record.
(C) Allowing citizen groups to develop land use alternatives.
(D) Providing high-quality customer service.” ✔✔The answer is “A.” A planner is obligated to
have special concern for the long-range consequences of present actions. None of the other
responses are specifically included in the Code of Ethics.
“Which of the following is NOT considered to be a planner’s primary obligation to serve the
public interest under the AICP Code of Ethics?
(A) Have special concern for long range consequences.
(B) A planner must exercise independent professional judgment on behalf of clients and
employers.
(C) Providing opportunities for meaningful citizen participation.
(D) Seek social justice by working to expand choice and opportunity for all.” ✔✔The answer is
“B.” Exercising independent judgment is part of the planner’s responsibility to clients and
employers, not to the public. Through memorization of the code of ethics candidates would be
able to quickly determine the correct answer.
“A city planner reviewed the rezoning of a property for a 1,000-unit planned unit development.
In your staff report you recommended against the approval of this project. The developer
approaches the planner and tries to recruit her to join his firm to work on this multi-phase
development. The planner accepts a position with another city instead. However, this position
does not work out as expected and after working 13 months for the consulting firm, the planner
decides to accept a position with the development company working on the buildout of the
planned unit development. How would you describe the planner’s action?
(A) Acceptable, eleven months is sufficient time.
(B) Acceptable, employment in the consulting firm automatically absolved the planner from any
involvement in the project.
(C) Unacceptable, a planner must never accept employment with a firm doing business in his/her
own jurisdiction.
(D) Unacceptable, the planner should have waited until three years after discontinuing
employment.” ✔✔The answer is “D.” According to the AICP Code of Ethics a planner must wait
three years before engaging in work involving their previous employer. The candidate needs to
recall the code to solve this question.
“The Planning Director is approached by a member of his staff with a complaint of sexual
harassment against another employee in the department. What should the Planning Director do
first?
(A) Review the Human Resource Procedures Manual section on Sexual Harassment and follow
the instructions